Some projects are just builds. Others are personal. This one in Silver Spring, MD (20906)? It was the kind that sticks with you.
The husband had been dreaming about a pond for years. Not months. Years. He pictured koi swimming through crystal-clear water, the sound of a waterfall in the background, and a space to relax right outside his door.
At first, his wife wasn’t totally sure about the idea. It felt like a big leap. But when the final rock was set and the water started flowing, she told us:
“I’m so glad he pushed forward with this. The kids love it. I love it. This was exactly what our yard needed.”
And now? That daydream is real. They’ve since added a small school of koi—10 and counting—and the pond has become a magnet for family time, quiet mornings, and glowing compliments from everyone who visits.
Watch the timelapse of the full transformation here:
Silver Spring Pond & Waterfall Build
A Backyard Built for Living
This wasn’t a basic water feature. It’s a full ecosystem pond with a natural waterfall—hand-built into the slope of the yard.
We designed it to feel like it’s always been there. Smooth river gravel. Natural boulders. A skimmer and biofalls to keep the water clean. A fish cave for koi. Aquatic plants to attract pollinators. Every detail was tailored to bring this family’s vision to life.
“We’ve Wanted One for Years…” Sound Familiar?
If you’ve been thinking about a pond or waterfall, you’re not alone. Most of the people we work with have spent years saving inspiration photos, watching videos, and dreaming.
But something always gets in the way.
Until they finally do it. And when it’s done, they say the same thing every time:
“Why didn’t we do this sooner?”
This Isn’t Just Landscaping. It’s a Legacy.
Adding a water feature isn’t about having something pretty to look at. It’s about creating a space that actually makes life better.
- A place to unwind at the end of the day
- A home for koi fish and wildlife
- A backyard your kids or grandkids will remember
- A reason to stay home more—and love it
After the project was complete, the client sent us this note:
“This was a wonderful experience. Mike and Gabby were great to work with throughout the process. The end product was phenomenal and our family is enjoying every moment with the new pond. It is tranquil, peaceful, beautiful, and relaxing. Thank you for this great addition to our backyard.”
Serving Silver Spring, MD and Montgomery County
This project was built in Silver Spring (20906), and we serve the entire Montgomery and Howard County area.
We design and build natural water features that are beautiful, functional, and built to last. If you’ve been thinking about it—we’ll make it real.
We also offer free design sketches to help you see what’s possible in your space.
Live in Silver Spring? You’re in our backyard.
Let’s talk. Request your free sketch here.
About the Author
Mike Coan builds ponds for a living—and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. He and his wife Gabby run Oasis Water Gardens, where they help people turn empty yards into peaceful, natural retreats. Mike is known in the water feature world as an artist, not just a builder. His designs are inspired by the wild, and his work has earned him a nomination for Aquascape’s 2025 Artist of the Year award. When he’s not on a job site, he’s usually outside playing in the front yard waterfall he built for his son, Mikey.
See his work on YouTube
